Pixel 2 / 64GB Blue

Networks

Brands

Google Pixel & Google Nexus - smartphones & tablets

Phone and tablets bearing the Google brand are built in partnership with a leading manufacturer, but released and marketed under the web search giant’s name. The brand 'Nexus' is often used, as well as the brand 'Pixel'.

In 2008 Google released the Android Dev Phone 1, built by HTC, and then the follow-up Android Dev Phone 2 in 2009. These are SIM-unlocked and bootloader devices designed for advanced developers to use, and they are not released for retail purposes. Google has since launched its Nexus range of phones and tablets to an impressive reception; these are still built, in part, by a partnering company, but Google takes the lead role in aspects like design and development.

Despite the shift in focus to retail phones with the Nexus line, Google has also essentially replaced the Android Dev Phones at the same time, as an unlockable bootloader means the devices can be further modified and tested by end users.

Following on from the Nexus phones, Google has introduced the Google Pixel line.

Google smart device manufacturers

Google has used LG, HTC and Motorola to help build its smart devices, so there is no single preferred original equipment manufacturer, or OEM.

Critical reception of the recent additions to the Nexus range, which features different OEMs, has been largely positive, and there is a consistent aesthetic which identifies a Google Nexus, despite the variation in manufacturer.

Google networks

You can purchase the latest Google Nexus devices alongside most networks, with a lot of them offering deals which reduce or remove the upfront cost altogether.

The flagship phones are amongst the top-end end devices available, so getting a deal which makes the phone cheaper upfront represents good value, as long as you get the right allowances for your usage.

You should be able to find a choice of minutes, texts and data available alongside the phones, and plenty of choice for a data plan with a Nexus tablet.

Android OS and Google

Google develops Android, which is one of the leading and most popular operating systems currently available. The name has become synonymous with dessert-themed updates, and it is the OS of choice for a number of manufacturers.

Google Nexus devices are often the first to receive the automatic updates, which will include various improvements and alterations that should offer the user a better experience.

5 facts about Google

Google receives 3 billion queries a day, which is more than 1 trillion each year

2 million Google searches are performed each minute

Around 16-20% of Google searches each day have never been done before

Google generates the equivalent of around £13 billion each year from advertising